With the New Year comes new hopes, new goals, and fresh starts. While balancing personal and professional resolutions may feel overwhelming, we're here to help! Whether you are starting on a new venture or been in the industry for years, these 4 tips will help guide you to a more intentional and mindful year of business in 2025!

 

Define Your "Wins"

What this looks like: Wins look different for everyone. Start each week by defining success for YOU! Dedicate time to defining what a successful week looks like for you, your team, or a current project. A "win" could be as small as delivering your presentation effectively to your peers or as large as finishing the project that has been on your desk all holiday season. 

How to do it: Use a few minutes at the start of your week to reflect. Ask yourself "What needs to happen this week to make me feel successful?" Write down one to two measurable outcomes that come out of that reflection in a place that keeps that thought front and center in your mind. 

Why it works: Leaders who are able to define success can sharpen their focus in the workplace and set clear priorities for the day, week, or month. By defining your win, you can begin eliminating decision fatigue and make sure that your efforts align with meaningful outcomes for your office or business. 

 

Take Note of Your Energy Levels

What this looks like: Notice when you feel the most productive, creative, or drained throughout the day. Over time, as you identify your natural rhythm, you'll be able to strategize your time rather than simply "using" it. Once you identify your rhythm, you can plan your important tasks during your most energetic or creative times. 

How to do it: During moments of reflection - like in the shower, at a red light, or while you're waiting for your next cup of Joe - take a second to ask yourself, "How do I feel right now? When did I feel at my best today?". Start noticing patterns in your energy and routine. For myself, I'm usually most productive mid-morning after I've had time to socialize and organize my thoughts, so scheduling "quiet tasks" like reading and planning for early morning works best.

Why it works: Great leaders are strategic with their time. In order to be strategic with your time, you must also be strategic with your energy. By aligning high-energy tasks with your natural peak energy hours and reserving simpler tasks for low-energy periods, you'll operate more effectively. 

 

Implement a Daily Sprint

What it looks like: Dedicate focused minutes each day to a “management sprint.” This is uninterrupted time to knock out key leadership tasks such as replying to emails, checking in with your team, or addressing bottlenecks in a project.

How to do it: Pick a consistent time in your day to dedicate to leadership tasks. This could be the first 15 minutes of your workday or after lunch. Use a timer and commit to working solely on these tasks - no multi-tasking!!

Why it works: Leadership tasks can easily fall to the wayside with busy schedules. A short, focused sprint can ensure that these responsibilities are accomplished daily without consuming hours of your time. 

 

Remind Yourself of the Bigger Picture

What it looks like: Spend around 30 minutes a week thinking about your big picture. This could include reading an article relating to best practices for your business, brainstorming ideas on how you'll implement a new strategy, or reflecting on your long-term goals. 

How to do it: Use "stolen minutes" throughout the week to answer some of your "big picture questions". During your commute, you could brainstorm with Siri or Alexa. On a lunch break, jot down new ideas. While you're waiting for pasta to boil for dinner, reflect on your long term goals. Then schedule a session during the week to organize and refine the thoughts you've had during these mini-sessions throughout the week. You'll be surprised to see how quickly they add up!

Why it works: Leaders can get stuck in day-to-day operations. When hours are blocked out for strategic thinking and planning, it can feel overwhelming. Using bite-sized strategic thinking helps ensure you stay proactive rather than reactive, lending clarity and purpose to your day. 

 

These tasks don't require hours of effort or planning - they require intention and creativity. By implementing these practices into your routine, you can use "stolen minutes" to improve your clarity, energy, and confidence coming into the New Year. 

Looking to expand your network and connect with other local leaders? Join us at our monthly Brew'n Business events!